Gold and Polychrome Enamel Icon Depicting the Nativity of Christ, Second half of the 20th century

Lastra in oro 22 carati (22K) e smalti policromi a fuoco

Height x width: 13 x 10 cm. Weight: 225 g

A refined icon executed on a thin 22-karat gold plaque, decorated with polychrome fired enamels using a technique derived from the traditional cloisonné process, in which delicate gold wires define the contours of the figures.
The composition depicts the Nativity of Christ, one of the most celebrated subjects of Byzantine iconography. In the foreground, the Virgin Mary is shown reclining on a large purple couch in a contemplative attitude. At the centre appears the Christ Child, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in the manger, flanked by the ox and the donkey. In the upper right, three angels proclaim the birth of the Saviour, while Saint Joseph is portrayed seated in meditation on the right. The background features the stylised mountain with the Cave of the Nativity, a characteristic element of Eastern Christian iconographic tradition.
The composition is distinguished by its refined and contemporary interpretation, in which the broad surfaces of polished gold harmoniously interact with the translucent enamels in shades of blue, violet, green, ochre and red, creating sophisticated effects of light and colour.

Based on its technique and stylistic characteristics, the present work can be attributed to the contemporary production of specialised workshops dedicated to the creation of precious metal icons intended for both the devotional and collectors' markets.

On the reverse is the "22K" hallmark, indicating a gold fineness of approximately 916/1000. The absence of additional identifying marks does not currently allow the work to be attributed with certainty to a specific workshop or manufacturer, although it clearly reflects a production of high technical and artistic quality.